HOUSTON – A judge ruled Tuesday to extend the application deadline for the Texas school voucher program after four Muslim parents and three private schools sued Texas leaders, alleging Islamic private schools were excluded from participating in the state’s program.
The two federal lawsuits ask the court to block the voucher program from discriminating on the basis of religion.
The first lawsuit, filed March 1 by a parent on behalf of two children who attend a Houston private school, names Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and Education Commissioner Mike Morath as defendants.
A second lawsuit, filed March 11 by three parents and three schools, names Hancock and Mary Katherine Stout, the education savings account program manager, as defendants.
Tuesday, March 17, was listed as the final day for Texas families to apply for the state’s new school voucher program. However, the judge granted a temporary restraining order allowing parents to submit applications until March 31.
The judge also ordered the Texas Comptroller’s Office to allow Islamic schools to submit applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program.
KPRC 2 has reached out to the Texas Comptroller’s Office for a comment.
Interest in the program has been high.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, more than 200,000 students have applied, making it one of the largest school choice launches in the country.
Under the program, selected students could receive about $10,000 per year for private school tuition, while homeschool students may receive smaller amounts for educational expenses.
Funding decisions are expected to be announced starting in early April.
To apply, visit the Texas Education Freedom Program website.
The Texas Tribune contributed to this article.
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